Established in 1911, the University of Western Australia is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, and one of the country’s most innovative and ambitious institutions of higher education. Ranked in the Top 100 universities globally, it is committed to creating knowledge and transforming lives by way of leading-edge teaching, learning, and research activities, spanning a broad range of disciplines.
The University is presently seeking to appoint an appropriately qualified individual to the role of John and Lynlee Harriott Chair in Mental Health Research, to be based within either the School of Psychological Science or the UWA Medical School’s Division of Psychiatry. This is a transformative leadership role advancing mental health research, advocacy, and impact at local, national, and international levels.
As Chair, you will lead a world-class, interdisciplinary research program with a strong translational focus on improving mental health outcomes for all. With a proven record in securing competitive research funding and producing high-quality, internationally recognised outputs, you will bring strategic insight and a passion for building inclusive, high-performing teams. You will supervise and mentor the next generation of researchers, foster academic excellence across the University, and contribute to contemporary mental health scholarship and research-led education.
In this pivotal role, your contribution will help shape and raise the profile of mental health policy and public discourse through sustained engagement with government, community, industry, and philanthropic partners. In addition, you will maintain and grow key relationships, including with the WA Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre (SPARRC) and the broader UWA Harriott relationship network, to enhance the University’s contribution to public mental health.
Your ability to build strategic alliances and lead collaborative research initiatives will be instrumental in positioning UWA as a respected thought leader in mental health. Representing the University at high-profile forums, you will influence national mental health agendas and organise an annual public lecture to elevate public engagement and discourse on mental health issues.
The role is offered as an initial five-year appointment, with the option for renewal. UWA offers a competitive professorial salary package, 17% superannuation, generous leave, relocation support (if applicable), and a dynamic, inclusive, work-life balanced environment. You will hold a doctoral degree or higher doctorate in a relevant discipline, with an outstanding academic and professional reputation. Clinical registration in Australia, or eligibility for clinical registration in Australia and a commitment to securing clinical registration and engaging in translation into clinical practice is essential.
The University will be supported in its global search for this appointment by the executive search firm, Perrett Laver. For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Jason Murdoch jason.murdoch@perrettlaver.com
To download further information and to submit your application, please visit https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference number 7885.
Application Deadline: 9am AWST, Monday, 14 July 2025.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
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